Replacement Window Blog

If you are considering replacement windows you may wonder why some companies can quote very low prices in their advertisements while others don’t quote any prices at all, apart from telling you that they are "extremely competitive" and “cannot be beaten”.

There are three main things that affect the cost of replacement windows, and the fact is that one of them actually cannot be beaten! This is what is known in the trade as a “hook and ladder” company. It is usually a one man business operated by someone who has little experience in the industry, but thinks that he can make a fortune by selling windows at a price lower than anyone else.

He Has To Cut Corners

He may only have been installing windows for six months working for a larger business, but has seen how much profit can be made. That’s fair enough – there’s nothing against having an entrepreneurial spirit.

However, in order to offer the low prices, he has to cut corners. The windows that you will get will probably not be of high energy efficiency, and you also have to doubt the quality of the workmanship. Even if you are offered a guarantee, how do you know that he will still be in business in a year’s time if something goes wrong?

Then there is the complete opposite end of the scale. The large company that advertises on TV and on every other billboard that you see when driving in to work. Without a shadow of a doubt the cost of replacement windows from these companies will be perhaps two or three times what it should.

Why?

Think Of The Advertising Cost

To begin with, think of the cost of the advertising. It has to be paid for somehow.Then there is the fact that the salesmen working for these companies are paid on commission only. Yes, if they don’t make sales they don’t eat! They get paid very high commissions when they DO make sales, but where does that commission come from? Certainly, you will get a high quality product, but it is going to be at a very high price. (Oh, and you also get a sales “pitch” that can take up to four hours and is designed to get you to sign up on the spot without having time to think about it).

The third type of company is the local family-owned business such as Suburban Windows & Siding. We have been around for nearly 30 years, and we have a reputation to maintain. A lot of our business comes by way of recommendation from happy customers so we don’t spend much on advertising, which means that the cost of replacement windows is lower but you still get all the benefits of top quality windows such as the Okna range.

It’s a win-win situation. You get the finest quality windows on the market at low cost, while we make a fair profit and get more recommendations. As we see it that is the way business should be conducted. There’s no high-pressure salesmanship: we’ll even give you a guide price before you ask us over to discuss it.

Author Rick Luppino

I've been a home improvement contractor for 27 years and have renovated many properties from additions, kitchens and baths as well as whole house rehabs. I have a extensive knowledge in the home renovating business and hope to offer you quality information about remodeling your home.